1684. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current and planned measures to protect biodiversity and support pollinators, native habitats and wildlife across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56438/26]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has primary responsibility for nature conservation, wildlife protection and the presentation and preservation of our National Parks and Nature Reserves. The mission of the NPWS, as stated in its Strategic Plan 2023-2025, is to protect nature.

The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (2023–2030) provides the overarching framework for protecting and restoring nature in Ireland. The NPWS plays a central role in supporting biodiversity through evidence-based conservation, species protection, ecological monitoring and the management of Ireland’s National Parks and Nature Reserves. The NPWS also supports a wide range of restoration initiatives, including Wild Atlantic Nature and LIFE on Machair, working with landowners, communities and stakeholders to restore habitats and support species recovery.

Support for biodiversity action at local level is also provided through a number of schemes administered by the NPWS. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund provides funding to local authorities for projects that support the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, including habitat restoration, woodland and hedgerow enhancement, invasive species control, biodiversity surveys and public engagement initiatives. Community-led conservation projects are also supported through the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme and other targeted programmes.

The Government recognises the vital role of pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The NPWS and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine support the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, a collaborative framework that supports pollinators and their habitats across the island. The Plan has helped drive pollinator-friendly actions across multiple sectors and has secured €1.8 million in Shared Island funding to support its next phase.

The NPWS is also leading on the preparation of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. This Plan will set out how Ireland will restore degraded ecosystems across land and sea and contribute to legally binding restoration targets. The Regulation also introduces enhanced monitoring and restoration obligations for pollinators, including measures to reverse pollinator decline by 2030 and achieve increasing population trends thereafter.